Last updated: 04/11/2006
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The Guild of St Raphael and The Ministry of Healing
www.guildofstraphael.org.uk | Click here to learn about St Raphael | Click here to learn about the Ministry of Healing
The
Guild of St Raphael was founded in 1915 in order to help forward the interest
being shown at that time in the ministry if healing within the church. The
emphasis is on the belief that the ministry of healing is an integral part of
the life and work of the Church, and should be promoted through prayer and use
of the sacraments. Branches are set up within the parish and the members pray
individually and collectively for the sick and needy. A newssheet is published
twice a year.
At
St. Michael’s, a branch started in 2002 and consists of about a dozen members
who meet monthly, usually on the last Wednesday of each month in the Church at
7.30pm. We pray by name for any who are on the parish sick list and for others
known to the members. In between
the meetings, members pray for the sick daily, and are encouraged to visit, or
telephone, them.
The
ministry of healing and the work of the Guild are highlighted during the mass on
each last Sunday of the month.
Recently
we have been discussing the question of anointing and the laying on of hands,
and hope to be able to introduce this shortly. The Guild lays great emphasis on
the use of sacraments as aids to healing. It also lays great emphasis on the
co-operation which exists between the Church and the medical profession and sees
this ministry as being an extension of the work of the doctor.
If you wish to add a name to the prayer list, please send an e-mail to the address scrolling above and title it 'Guild of St. Raphael prayer entry'.
The Prayer of the Guild of St Raphael: Heavenly Father, whose son Jesus Christ healed the sick and restored them to wholeness of life, bless we pray the Guild of St Raphael and all its members in the celebration of this truth within your Holy Church, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.